Hunting. Though it’s true that not everyone does, it’s still estimated that over 350,000 Ohio hunting license are purchased annually by young and old in their pursuit of our wetland, woodland and upland game species. Hunting always has been and probably always will be a way of life for many!
Passed down from one generation to the next, hunting goes way beyond the need to keep a family tradition going. More than just filling our freezer with affordable meat staples. Regulated hunting is still the best wildlife management tool we have today!
Hunting helps to reduce the overcrowding of a number of wildlife species, so that they don’t go beyond an ecosystems carrying capacity. Harvesting game also serves to address other overpopulation issues that might be incurred, things like starvation or an upswing in wildlife diseases.
And then there’s the economic aspect of hunting. Lots of funds are generated through the purchase of hunting equipment – billions of dollars annually in the U.S. – that go back towards wildlife management and research, and for conservation. Not to mention the thousands of jobs that have been created relative to the sport of hunting.
With the winter mostly behind us now, and a gobble of two of that ol’ ‘Tom’ turkey now and then, maybe that’s got a few of you who have never hunted before, really thinking about giving it a try. If this will be your first time ever hunting, you will need to obtain your Hunter Education certification and we have a seat just for you!
On Saturday, April 11th, we will be holding another Ohio Hunter Education Course at the Huron Township Conservation Club, 2121 Huron Avery Road. The course will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and with seats being limited, pre-registration is highly recommended. You can reserve your spot by checking out the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s website under the Hunter Education link, then look for this course.
For more information about the Ohio Hunter Education Course, you can reach out to Tim White, Wildlife Specialist, at the Erie Soil and Water Conservation District at 419-626-5211. You can also contact Jaron Beck, Outdoor Skills Specialist with the ODNR Division of Wildlife, District 2 office, at 419-429-5000.